Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on cross-government support for people whose ability to work is affected by migraine.

Employers are crucial in enhancing employment opportunities and supporting disabled people and those with health conditions, such as migraines, to thrive in the workforce.

This Government is committed to working collaboratively to support people who are managing health conditions. DWP and DHSC’s Joint Work and Health Directorate was set up to co-ordinate Government activity which helps those managing health conditions and disabled people to get into and thrive in work.

There are a range of initiatives that provide support. The Disability Confident Scheme encourages employers to create disability inclusive workplaces and to support disabled people to get work and get on in work. The scheme provides resources such as the Disability Confident Manager’s Guide, which includes guidance on flexible working and workplace adjustments.

WorkWell offers integrated work and health support for people with health-related barriers to work and is being expanded across England, backed by up to £259m, over the next three years. Participants receive person-centred, early support based on their health-related barriers to employment, and a tailored support plan that can include employer liaison and advice on workplace adjustments.

In November 2025, Sir Charlie Mayfield published the Keep Britain Working Review, setting out recommendations to reshape how Government works with employers to improve work and health outcomes through creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces. We are now working with volunteer employers, providers and regions through a Vanguard Phase to test and refine approaches to help disabled workers and workers with long-term health conditions, including those affected by migraine, receive the support they need to remain and thrive in employment. These include developing effective stay in work and return to work practices, strengthening prevention, and building the evidence needed to spread good practice.

The 10 Year Health Plan, published in July 2025, builds on existing work to better integrate health with employment support and incentivise greater cross-system collaboration, recognising good work is good for health. The Plan outlines how the neighbourhood health service will join up support from across the work, health and skills systems to help address the multiple complex challenges that often stop people finding and staying in work and deliver holistic care that leads to better employment outcomes for all.

We are fully committed to ensuring adequate support in the social security system for those who – through ill health or disability – are unable to work.